Photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue using nanocrystalline anatase titania prepared by ultrasonic technique

Abstract Nanocrystalline particles of pure anatase titania were prepared by sol–gel method at ambient temperature using ultrasonication (Ti-US). The advantages of ultrasonication method are demonstrated as compared to the conventional stirring method of preparation of titania (Ti-S). The physico-chemical properties of the samples were investigated by powder XRD, SEM, TEM, low temperature (77 K) nitrogen sorption, and UV–Vis spectroscopic techniques. More uniform distribution/dispersion of the nanoparticles (SEM), marginally higher surface area, better thermal stability, and phase purity are some of the advantages of preparation of nanocrystalline titania by ultrasonication method. The UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra of the samples prepared by ultrasonication method were blue shifted compared to pure anatase due to decrease in particle size. The behavior of anatase titania in photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue in aqueous medium was studied as a function of the method of preparation and the crystallite size. The nanoparticles prepared by ultrasonication method were more effective than both, the sample prepared by conventional stirring method and commercial Degussa P-25. The higher photocatalytic activity of Ti-US is attributed to the more uniform size of the particles as compared to Ti-S samples.